True Detective DVD/Blu-Ray Is Out Today, Includes Commentaries And Other Bonus Features

For those without HBO, the chance to watch True Detective has arrived! HBO released the DVD and Blu-ray set for True Detective today, and in addition to coming complete with the full first season of the riveting crime drama, the bonus features also include deleted scenes, commentaries and other behind-the-scenes looks at the series. Factoring in that added content, even those who have seen the show, or have access to it through HBO or HBO Go may still want to take a peek at what the True Detective Blu-ray set has to offer.

For those who haven't seen it, True Detective stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson and centers on two mismatched detectives who are paired up on a murder case. The story spans years and has them looking back at the start of their investigation, while also delving into their personal lives and clashing views. It's worth watching for Harrelson and McConaughey's performances alone, but the series offers much more, particularly as it relates to the pace and tone. The DVD/Blu-ray includes all eight episodes of the first season, and here's the official list of bonus features...

• Making True Detective – Behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and crew, including unseen footage
• Up Close with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson – Exclusive interviews with the stars about filming the series
• A Conversation with Nic Pizzolatto and T Bone Burnett – An in-depth discussion with the series creator/executive producer/writer and the legendary composer on the series and the pivotal role of music
• Inside the Episode – Nic Pizzolatto and director Cary Joji Fukunaga share their thoughts on character development and offer insights into each episode
• Two audio commentaries - Featuring Nic Pizzolatto, T Bone Burnett and Executive Producer Scott Stephens
• Deleted Scenes – Never-before-seen footage from the series

And here's the video HBO released today as a reminder that the set is on sale now:

Ok, so usually I'm inclined to ignore any twinge of temptation I feel at the prospect of shelling out money for an HBO series on DVD/Blu-ray. As an HBO subscriber with access to HBO Go, it's hard to justify budgeting even more money toward the premium cable channel's original series. But I'm actually considering making an exception here, as the bonus features are pretty intriguing. I'd love to listen to the commentaries and hear what else Nic Pizzolatto has to say about the series in the other features.

It's also worth noting the more reasonable price for the set. The retail price is $49.99, which is about on par with HBO DVD/Blu-ray sets, but Amazon hasTrue Detective Season 1 available for $29.99, which is a much more manageable price for a TV Blu-ray set. The DVD set is $24.96. Again, really not so bad, all things considered. Sure, True Detective is only 8 episodes, but it's a pretty fantastic and totally binge-worthy first season.